1. The Health Risks Of Computer Work
Management 120

2. Introduction
In the modern world, computers have become necessary for workers to use. Whether it is ing, writing documents, or working on spreadsheets, many workers are forced to be in front of a computer monitor all day.
There are several health problems related to computer usage
Cumulative Trauma Injuries (CTD’s)
Back, neck and shoulder problems
Eye and vision problems
These are all avoidable with the use of ergonomic principles (fitting the job to the worker rather than expecting workers to accommodate themselves to uncomfortable equipment and postures)

3. Introduction Cont.
Work that is physically and visually tiring may result in lowered productivity, increased errors, and reduced job satisfaction
The following slides will show how managers as well as the workers themselves can take steps to reduce the potential for these physical and visual problems

4. Cumulative Trauma Injuries (CTD’s)
Any task done repeatedly for long periods of time can cause inflammation of tendons, nerve sheaths and ligaments and damage to soft tissues. This cumulative effect can be disabling, resulting in CTD’s.
CTD’s make up over 52% of all occupational illnesses
CTD’s resulting from computer use include
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Tendinitis
Ganglionic Cysts

5. Cumulative Trauma Injuries (CTD’s)
Reducing the risk of CTD’s
Keep your wrist straight - bending of the wrist puts pressure on tendons and nerves at the same time they are required to work.
Do not rest your wrist or forearm on a hard surface while typing - If you must rest your wrist on something, use a cushion.

6. Back, Neck And Shoulder Problems
Neck and shoulder pain and stiffness can occur when the computer monitor or mouse are not positioned properly. When placed improperly, the neck and shoulder muscles constantly work to keep the head and arms in awkward positions.
Back pain can occur when a chair does not provide support for the lower back. When there is no support from the chair for the lower back, the back muscles must exert more force to keep the body upright.

7. Back, Neck And Shoulder Problems
Reducing the risk of back, neck and shoulder problems
Your line of vision should hit the top of the monitor
Keep the mouse next to the keyboard and at the same height
Keep the monitor straight so you don’t have to twist your back
Use an adjustable chair that allows you to move the seat up and down, the arm rests in and out and the seat back forward and backward

8. Eye and Vision Problems
Using a computer for a prolonged period of time can result in eye strain, eye irritation, blurred vision, or headaches
Doctors of optometry found that over 14% of their patients present with eye or vision problems resulted from computer work

9. Eye and Vision Problems
Reducing the risk of eye and vision problems
Reduce glare by tilting down the computer monitor slightly, placing the monitor at a right angle to windows, and reducing room lighting
Make sure characters are big enough to read comfortably - small and illegible characters can cause flickering sensations.
Take breaks
Don’t forget to blink while working at a computer – When staring at a computer screen the body naturally decreases blinking frequency.

10. Conclusion
Managers have a responsibility to keep the work environment safe for employees. Simple tasks such as acquiring adjustable chairs, placing monitors in the right position, adjusting window blinds and lighting, and allowing employees 5-10 minute breaks every half hour or hour can make a significant difference in employee safety, as well as production and job satisfaction. Managers should also educate employees on the health concerns resulting from computer use, as well as check up on them to make sure they are comfortable.

11. Works Cited http://www.alshamsi.net/friends/b7ooth/health/ctds.html